🧆 Malai Kofta Recipe | Restaurant-Style Paneer Kofta Curry at Home

Malai Kofta is one of the most popular and indulgent North Indian curry recipes, often ordered in Indian restaurants for special occasions. This luxurious dish features crispy paneer kofta balls soaked in a creamy, mildly spiced malai gravy made with onions, tomatoes, cashews, and rich Indian spices. It’s an absolute delight when served with naan, jeera rice, or garlic butter roti.

📝 Ingredients for Malai Kofta (Serves 4)

🟠 For the Kofta (Paneer Balls):

• Paneer (cottage cheese) – 200 g (grated)

• Boiled potato – 1 large (mashed)

• Corn flour or all-purpose flour (maida) – 2 tbsp

• Cashews & raisins – 2 tbsp (for stuffing, optional)

• Salt – to taste

• Green chili – 1 finely chopped

• Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp

• Oil – for deep frying

🟡 For the Gravy:

• Onion – 1 large, sliced

• Tomatoes – 2 large, chopped

• Cashews – 10

• Garlic – 4 cloves

• Ginger – 1 inch

• Green chili – 1

• Cream (malai/fresh cream) – 3 tbsp

• Butter – 2 tbsp

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Kashmiri red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) – 1 tsp, crushed

• Sugar – ½ tsp (optional)

• Water – as required

👨‍🍳 Malai Kofta – Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Step 1: Make the Paneer Kofta

1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated paneer, mashed potato, salt, green chili, cardamom powder, and corn flour.

2. Mix well and knead into a smooth dough.

3. Divide the dough into equal parts. Stuff each ball with a cashew and raisin (optional), then roll into a smooth kofta ball.

4. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry koftas on medium flame until golden brown.

5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

✅ Step 2: Prepare the Rich Malai Gravy

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Add sliced onions, cashews, ginger, garlic, and green chili. Sauté till onions are soft and golden.

2. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy.

3. Let the mixture cool, then blend into a smooth paste.

4. In a clean pan, heat 1 tbsp butter. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

5. Pour the blended mixture into the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes on medium flame.

6. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook till oil separates.

7. Pour ¼ to ½ cup water to adjust the gravy consistency.

8. Add fresh cream, kasuri methi, and sugar. Mix well and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

✅ Step 3: Serve the Kofta

• Just before serving, gently place the kofta balls into the hot gravy and garnish with a swirl of cream and chopped coriander.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Malai Kofta

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

✅ Malai kofta is not only a celebration of flavor, but also offers moderate protein and rich textures, ideal for occasional indulgence.

💡 Chef’s Tips for Restaurant-Style Malai Kofta

• Always use fresh paneer for soft koftas.

• Add a small amount of bread crumbs or maida if the kofta dough feels too moist.

• Fry on medium flame—too hot and the kofta browns outside without cooking through.

• For a healthier version, shallow fry or bake the koftas.

• Don’t add koftas too early—they will soak and break. Add just before serving.

• You can also add a pinch of saffron for a regal flavor.

❓ FAQs – Malai Kofta Edition

Q1: Can I freeze malai kofta?

Yes! Store fried koftas and gravy separately. Freeze and combine when reheating.

Q2: Can I make malai kofta without cream?

Yes, use cashew paste or milk with a tsp of ghee to replicate the richness.

Q3: Which rice goes best with malai kofta?

Jeera rice, pulao, or steamed basmati rice go perfectly.

Q4: Is malai kofta vegan?

The classic recipe is not vegan. But for a vegan malai kofta, substitute paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

🌟 Conclusion: The Royal Flavors of Malai Kofta

If you’re looking for the best Indian curry for dinner, the restaurant-style malai kofta recipe is your answer. Rich, creamy, mildly spiced, and full of flavor, this dish embodies the spirit of Indian celebrations. Serve it with naan, tandoori roti, or rice for a complete experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in Indian cooking, learning how to make malai kofta at home will give you a showstopper dish that wins every time.